Smoke Signal issue 6, Nov. 22, 2011 by sue gill

smokesignal

the smoke signal the

Stafford High School

Calendar

Nov. 23-25 Thanksgiving Break Dec. 8, 9, 10 Mystery of Edwin Drood Dec. 22-3 Jan. Winter break

weather Nov. 21-27 High: 58 F Low: 34 F Nov. 30- Dec.5 High: 53 F Low: 34 F Dec. 8-16 High: 48 F Low: 29 F

countdown

2 7

days until Thanksgiving

days until basketball

29 days until Winterbreak

days until Christmas

what’s hot Thanksgiving Cold weather Black Friday Edwin Drood Field Hockey Boys XC

index Entertainment.......5 Feature......................4 News......................1-2 Opinion....................3 Sports....................6-7 Spotlight................10 Student Life.........8-9

Volume 67. Issue 6 Nov. 22, 2011

Issue 12, March 23, 2011

33 Stafford Indian Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405

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Boys XC wins States BY TAYLOR LISCO Staﬀ Writer

and next closest team, Albemarle. “I felt really good when I passed this curly haired kid from Albemarle,” junior Ryan Hazelgren said. “I had been chasing him for a long time and it was really great to finally beat him.” The difference between the first place runner and the fifth place runner for Stafford was a mere 35 seconds, and that was what helped them shut out Albemarle, with solid times from sixth and seventh place runners. “I was relieved when they said we had won,” sophomore Tanner Wentlandt said. “Albemarle was cheering like they had already won, but then when Augrom told us that we won, we were all really, really happy.” The seniors this year had stepped up as leaders and raised the morale of the team as a whole, working with the team and definitely had an impact on how they did this season. “It was a lot of pres-

3.1 miles after the starting gun, the varsity boys cross country team was named state champions “It was a total team effort by all seven runners,” said head coach Pete Augrom. “They definitely stepped it up, above and beyond all expectations.” The team was led by Greg Bohmke who placed eleventh out of all Virginia high school runners and was followed by Ian Macleod, Joey Abbatiello, Brandon Hinton, Chapin Baxter, Ryan Hazelgren and Tanner Wentlandt. The boys scored 87 points with the runner-up team, Albemarle, scoring 102 points. “It’s really an indescribable feeling,” Augrom said. “It took until I woke up Sunday morning and saw the trophy, that it really sank in. That we were state champions.” As a team this year, the boys ran closer in packs towards the front and that helped them to seal their See XC on page 2 victory over their rival

Chasing the Golden Days: Senior Greg Bohmke and junior Ian McCleod lead the pack during the State Championship meet. The boys cross country team were named state champions, the ﬁrst time since 1996. Photo by Andrew Kicinski

Hempe signs with Georgia University BY ANA NOSAL Page Editor Surrounded by friends, teammates, coaches, teachers, and her family, senior Merritt Hempe signed with the University of Georgia to play basketball next year. Her hard work and dedication has allowed her the chance to play at a Divison I university. Sitting at a table next to her parents and sister, speeches were made congratulating Hempe on her achievement. “Her reputation and play on the court, along with the support from her family, has allowed her to get this far,” athletic director Wes Bergazzi said. Hempe was on the varsity team for all four years at Stafford, but even before that she played for an

Sign the dotted line: Surrounded by family Merritt Hempe oﬃcially signs to play basketball at the University of Georgia. Both students and faculty attended the signing. Photo By Toni Sorrentino

AAU travel team. “Merritt has been a joy to coach for years and she has put forth tremendous hard work to be a fantastic athlete,” travel

coach Boo Williams said. With her skills and talent, Hempe has had many offers in the past few years to play for private high schools in Virginia and Maryland. However, she chose to stay at Stafford to stay with her friends and teammates. “Playing with Stafford has made become more of a leader,” Hempe said. Years of preparation have allowed Hempe to be able to play at the collegiate level. “The coaches at the University of Georgia are awesome and they have an amazing girls’ basketball program,” Hempe said. Hempe’s friends wish her the best of luck at the University of Georgia.

See HEMPE page 2

FH second in state, wins regionals, districts, semi-finals BY TONI SORRENTINO

Editor

The field hockey team’s 2011 season came to an end after placing second in the state championship against First Colonial. However going to states is not the only triumph the team has earned. “Even though we didn’t win, the experience was amazing,” Scruggs said. “Being there was all that mattered. On Tues., Nov. 12, Stafford traveled to Virginia Beach to face off against First Colonial for the state championship. 10 minutes into the second half, Erin Gallivan scored Stafford’s only goal with an assist from Sam Heflin. “We had played First Colonial in August while we were still trying to fig-

ure out our positions, so it was difficult,” sophomore Natalie Bohmke said. “ It was interesting to see how far we had come after playing them at states and how the whole team had bonded.” Stafford’s defense, led by sophomore Natalie Bohmke and junior Mckenzie Bowler held strong against First Colonial’s offensive attacks, clearing multiple shots. Senior Goalie Brooke Scruggs was crucial to the team’s performance, only allowing four of the 25 shots to get passed. “Finishing shots and going further than we did last year was our goal and I think everyone is happy with how the season went,” midfielder Lyndsey Lysher said. In order to advance to

Swimming

Boys, Girls teams start season page 7

do well in the regular season but also win three other levels of competition. Stafford reigned victorious in districts, regionals and semi-finals. Stafford was the only team in the district and the region to advance to the state championship. In regionals, Stafford Success! After scoring what turned out beat long time to be the only Stafford goal, senior Erin rival MountaGallivan meets her team in a celebration. The girls went on to place second at the inview High state championship. Submitted by Dawn School, 2-1 in Hooghouse overtime. The girls had prethe state championship, viously lost to Mountathe girls had to not only inview making the win a

Cheer leading

Cheerleaders place sixth See page 7

statement of their determination. “We have gotten so far and I couldn’t be more proud,” Gallivan said. “My advice to the girls is to go to all the workouts and to keep pushing harder.” The match against First colonial marked Stafford’s third time in school history of placing second in states. this was an improvement from last year as the team did not advance to semi-finals in the 2010 season. “I am going to miss the defensive line and knowing that I have their back and that they have mine,” Scruggs said. while much of the offense, along with Scruggs, will be graduating, the team is young but have their eyes set on another state appearance.

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news

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Stafford High School

Issue 6, Nov. 22, 2011

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HEMPE: signs with UGA Continued fromhas page “She just to1 keep

working hard,” senior Taysia Gray said. “That way, her dream of the WNBA will come true.” Hempe;s accomplishments have made many at Stafford proud. “She brings such a positive influence and has accomplished so much for us,” Bergazzi said. “She is definitely going to carry out the Stafford High

School name throughout the state.” Even though Hempe has a lot of work ahead of her, she has all of the support she needs. “Her journey started with a dream, lots of sacrifice an hard work, but now it’s all going to pay off for her,” varsity coach Carl Harris said. “This has all helped her to become an official, DI athlete.”

BOYS RACE TEAM: Coach Pete Augrom, Ian MacLeod, Ryan Hazelgren, Joey Abbatiello, Chapin Baxter, Greg Bohmke, Brandon Hinton, Tanner Wentlandt, coach Winton Ward and coach Kristen Brady with trophy. Photo provided by Pete Augrum.

BOYS XC: state victory is bittersweet for XC seniors sure on me and the other guys to perform really well at states,” senior Greg Bohmke said. “This was our last year and we wanted to end it on a good note, and that’s just what we did.” Earlier this season MacLeod had broken the school record and then he had that record broken by Bohmke soon after. “I was really proud of the guys overall,” Augrom said. “They all really pushed themselves and each other to do well and it paid off, definitely.” During districts, which took place Oct. 27

at Willomere Park, the varsity boys team placed second, coming in behind Albemarle by only one point. “Districts went well, but we will definitely redeem ourselves at regionals and hopefully states,” said Augrom. Regionals came soon after on Nov. 3 and the boys finished in first place and were getting ready to be serious competitors in states. “All we can really do is run faster and be mentally prepared,” Bohmke said. Now that they boys

have finished another successful season, the upcoming seniors are looking to be role models for the upcoming freshman and sophomores. “Pretty much, if they do the same thing we did this year, they’ll be good,” junior Ian Macleod said. “Just run a lot in the summer and work together as a team, and I think we can definitely get states next year, too.” Leaving the cross country team was definitely bittersweet moment for seniors Greg Bohmke, Chapin Baxter, and Brandon Hinton as they fin-

ished their high school cross country career on a high note, as state champions. “I’m glad we finished it the way we did,” Baxter said. “It’s sort of sad to have that be our last year, but it definitely ended well. I think the guys stepping up next year as leaders will keep the team together the same.” Overall everyone seems eager to see what next year’s cross country season will hold and how the boys will do during their winter and spring track seasons.

Elizabeth M Attreed, DDS, PC 2832 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford, VA 22554 (540)-659-5161

White Oak Market & Deli 316 White Oak Road

WE540-70-4385 DELIVER

smokesignal

opinion

the

Stafford High School

Issue 6, Nov. 22, 2011

www.staffordsmokesignal.com

EDITORIAL: Ignore the ignorant There has been a lot of media attention lately about the negative effects of bullying on students, and as cliché as all the preaching is, it still does affect teenagers, even at Stafford High School. Many people imagine bullying as shoving kids in lockers and stealing their lunch money, but as any teenager will tell you, that’s definitely not the case. Bullying has taken on a new name. “Just playing around,” “just being honest,” and “no offense,” has now become an excuse to say just about anything people want about anybody. But just “being funny” can still hurt people, even if it’s unintentional. Ask students if they’ve ever had a rumor spread about them or have been talked about to their face or behind their back and

chances are they’ll say they have. It’s normal, people say. It’s just a part of high school. That may be true, but it shouldn’t be, especially not at a school as small as Stafford. These are supposed to be the best years of a person’s life, so why do teenagers always try to cut each other down? Drama is this generation’s bullying. Hurtful gossiping has become all too commonplace at Stafford High School. Even Stafford’s own students admit that Stafford, can be far from friendly and sometimes downright mean. Why is it that people can’t help but talk about each other? Is it because making someone else look worse is a good way of forgetting about personal problems? Do

people hate themselves so much that they need to resort to hating each other to get rid of all that anger? Regardless of why they act as they do, teenagers need to start being nicer to one another. They need to think before they tweet, try to have more understanding for each other, and if all else fails, stay away from Facebook. The only thing Facebook is even good for is making people seem more annoying than normal. Eleanor Roosevelt once said that “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people.” Maybe she just doesn’t understand that Sarah totally stole Lisa’s boyfriend or maybe, just maybe, she has a point.

Plenty of pride, spirit just what Stafford needs As the season of giving approaches, one can’t help but notice that the giving was good this year, as Stafford brought home numerous titles and accomplishments in recent weeks. From cross country winning the VHSL State Championship, to cheer ranking sixth in states, to field hockey facing runner up in the AAA state field championship, the student body has been graced with a flood of achievements. The list continues, with the Tribe of Pride winning the Mills Godwin Invitational, drama being one of two schools who were selected to advance onto the national Southeastern Theater Conference, and Link

Crew filming the Blue and Yellow video, spirit can be found in every crevice of the building. The Blue and Yellow music video was the first to surface. The idea of a video emerged during the summer in hopes of starting the year off right with tons of spirit. After months of hard work and creativity by senior Christine Krueger and junior Frederick Lovell, the video created by senior Alisa Posey and sophomore Jordan Reed, premiered at the pep rally of spirit week. This video showed every student at Stafford just how spirited our school could be. Next a group of drama students attended the Virginia Theater

Association secondary school theatre festival. Here they were chosen to be one of two schools from Virginia who are to proceed to nationals in Chattanooga, Tennessee in early March. The following day, band students spent the morning of Homecoming at the Mills Godwin Invitational in Richmond. After hours of playing, the Tribe of Pride placed first in their class, as well as first overall in the whole competition. Two weeks later the sport achievements came rolling in. Students waited throughout the day to hear about the results. All in one day, boys cross country won states, field hockey fought their way

to second, and cheer soared into sixth place. Spirit and pride was displayed at every event, as students filled the stands or finish lines with enthusiasm to watch their fellow classmates succeed. These accomplishments should bring pride not only to those involved, but to every student and faculty member alike. Hopefully this passion for victory will prolong throughout the year, as winter sports start and drama remains performing. This amount of enthusiasm is just what our school needs to push through the rest of the year. It’s safe to say, this was definitely a successful season for the Indians.

smoke signal staff 2011-2012 Editors-in-Chief Elexxus Brown Emily Griffin Photography Editor Assistant Editor-in-Chief Shannon Cooke Online Editors Rebekah Kim Dani Raymond Design Editor Bridget Phillips Copy Editors Emily Byers Kathryn Lenox

Editors Leland Brooks Molly Podlesny Toni Sorrentino Page Editors Katie Brandon Megan Corsano Ana Nosal Kirstin Whiteside Business Managers Karri Chestnut Georgia Felopulos Ashleigh Powell

Staff Writers Catherine Alfaro, Cody Beacorn, Natalie Bohmke, Luci Braun, Doreen Brindise, Moriah Briscoe, Travis Byram, Megan Corsano, Erin Cunningham, Amber Donald, Megan Ebeling, Bradley Elmore, Austin Enfinger, Shannon Fenwick, Ryan Hazelgren, Hannah Haugen, Billy Howell, Maggie Howell, Megan Humphrey, Russ Kaus, B.H. Kim, India Kithcart, Taylor Lisco, Courtney Mears, Erin McGraw, Chris McMillen, Caelynn Miller-Keyes, Kirsten Mitchell, Patrick Oliver, Ellie Pare, David Pearson, Abbie Pennington, Marta Perrine, Elizabeth Puckerin, Anthony Romanello, Hannah Rowlette, Tori Santiago-Troutman, Brendan Sherman, Cara Skeer, Morgan Silver, Justin Thomas, Ryan Thompson, Jillian Weisbeck, Matt Yelverton, Photographers Kerstin Felton, Amber Griffith, Muhamad Khalid, Emily Pearce, Austing Pearson, Kaitlin Shacklette, Eric Stapleton, Keana Young Alisa Posey

Videographers Jordan Reed Taylor Sutherland Reporters

Making the Grade

A+ D A+ C A-

Sports Success

Daylight Savings Time 3 Day Week

Pre-Decorating

Thansgiving Break

With the boys’ cross country team becoming state champions, the varsity field hockey team ending second in the state, and the varsity cheer team taking sixth place at states, these recent successes have added to the studnts’ school pride and unity. The recent Daylight Savings Time change has made many students unhappy lately. The sun setting so early causes many students to not realize what time it actually is. Instead of getting that extra hur of sleep, the difference in time has left us more confused than well restd. The three day school week two weeks ago gave students an opportunity to catch up on much needed sleep and late work for the end of the quarter. Although it was hard for some students to sleep in, it put everyone in a better mood. Some students are getting annoyed with the Christmas hype starting before Thanksgiving has even happened. Downtown and the mall is full of Christmas trees and decoratons for advertisement and marketing tactics. Is this happening too soon and how will it affect the holiday mood? Although students are excited for Thanksgiving and Black Friday, many are upset about how short the break is. With only a few days, most students must miss a few school days in order to travel to their holiday destinations. Others are concerned about the homework assigned over break.

Claire Adams, Allie Ahlm, Emily Billingslea, Shannon Cocho, Ridge Dodd, Elizabeth Drash, Ergys Ferruku, Tamara George, Tyler Haley, Alexandria Hinkle, Patrick Holland, Bonnie Kamei, Eric Kauffman, Jessica Larson, Theresa Rigby, Isabella Rivas, Julianne Rogers, Alyssa Sims, Bridget Stadelmyer, Blayne Stine, Marissa Stone, Madison Teaster, Jessica Turner, Chris Vaughn, Taylor White, Brittni Wright, Dillon Baden, Jacob Barber, Kiana Burgos, Jackson Carmichael, Katherine Drumm, Michael Gordon, Caitlin Green, Taylor Jones, Valerie Lampert, Kirsten Mitchell, Charlotte Potts, Sydney Scott, Louisa Amenitsch, Shawnail Cavender, Mariah Erickson, Jessica Justice, Kyle Mcguire, Madison Mixon, Chadni Patel, Kelly Pedigo, Palmers Oelham, Taia Polluck, Rachel Rolando, Sheldon Sheinall, Austin Thompson, Chiann Todd, Tyler West, Kirsten Burton, Staria Foosness, Kimberley Hall, Katelynn Halstead, Melissa Mercer, Brittany Nealy, Audrey Perrine, Brynne Reeves, Kayla Seal, Tyler Sullivan, Elizabeth Walker, Taro White Advisor Sue Gill, CJE The Smoke Signal is an open forum for student expression of the student body of Stafford High School. Unsigened editorials reflect the collective opinion of the Smoke Signal staff. Signed editorials represent the opinion of the auther and do not necessarily represent the opinons of Stafford HighSchool, its administration, or staff. Signed letters to the editor not exceeding 250 words may be submitted to room W206. Anonymous letters will not be printed. The Smoke Signal reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and content and to refuse advertisements.

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features

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Stafford High School

Issue 6, Nov. 22, 2011

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Black Friday Hugger family enjoys Black Friday By Alexis Bush Staff Writer As the Hugger tradition went on last year, freshman Claire Hugger’s brother, sophomore Blaine Hugger, locked the car keys in the trunk of the car while putting the shopping bags away after doing some Black Friday shopping at Tyson’s Corner. Claire went shopping

with her brother, sister, aunt, and mom. The family awoke around 2 a.m. and left for Tyson’s Corner around 3 a.m. “We stayed up till about 12 a.m. cutting out coupons,” Claire said. It has been a tradition for the Huggers to go Black Friday shopping at Tyson’s Corner, since Claire’s older sister left for college.

“Our sister comes up from school to go shopping with us,” Claire said. “While we are up at Tyson’s Corner we meet up with our aunt that lives nearby Tyson’s.” The Huggers tried to unlock the car by having their father call and unlock it. Since the call did not work, their father had to drive out to Tyson’s Corner to pick up the rest

of the family. “There happened to be an accident on the interstate which caused major traffic,” Claire said. “We had to take an exit and wound up lost taking another way back home.” Besides getting locked out of the car, the Huggers ran into other problems while shopping. The cashiers were sometimes unable to take coupons

and had to tell the shoppers that they were unable to use the coupons. This sometimes caused arguments between shoppers and cashiers. Claire’s aunt was upset when she was told she was unable to use her coupons. “I would definitely go Black Friday shopping again,” Claire said. “But I would not give Blaine the keys ever again.”

Walmart opens Thursday, Nov. 24 at 10 p.m. for select items and Friday, Nov. 25 at 12 a.m. for electronics.

Kohl’s opens Friday, Nov. 25 at 4 a.m.

Where do you go on Black Friday?

And what do you buy?

Kohl’s and Target. Flip camera to use at school, a family camera, and any other good deals I can find! Mrs. Lansford, Spanish teacher

Black Friday tradition takes off in1966 By Karri Chestnut Business Manager Long lines, crowded stores, tired faces, early mornings and good prices are all characteristics of Black Friday. Black Friday occurs on the day after Thanksgiving and it traditionally marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. This year the Black Friday tradition continues on Nov. 25. Black Friday is statistically the busiest shopping day of the year since 2004. Most stores on this day open early at 4 a.m. or before and offer promotional sales to kick off the shopping season. “I know that Black Friday originated because it was the start of the shopping season,” math teach-

er Clay Shesman said. “Advertisers would send out fliers and then publicity got it and made it a big deal. I’ve only been out shopping twice but my favorite part is going to watch people.” The term Black Friday first came from 1929, the day that the stock market crashed. Then people in Philadelphia changed the meaning in 1966 when they used it to describe the heavy and disruptive vehicle traffic that would leave black tire marks on the road which would occur on the day after Thanksgiving. The term was then spread around the United States. After being used to describe the traffic flow, the people then transformed the meaning of the word

to indicate the kick off of the shopping season. An alternative theory to the name is that it indicates the period in which retailers are turning a profit or “in the black.” They gave justification for the name in tying it to accounting balance sheets where black ink would represent a profit. Many people do not know the origination of Black Friday and how the name came to be. They just know that people get up early to go shopping for discounted prices. “I didn’t know what Black Friday was until we had to go for sociology,” senior Joe Sorrentino said. During Black Friday shopping, people usually line up outside of stores

that have good profits until their doors open. People bring their lawn chairs and snacks while they wait for three or more hours. When the doors open, the store becomes a madhouse. People run around grabbing items that they want and even steal them from other people. There has even been instances in the past where workers have been trampled to death. In some stores there are lines to wait in for a certain item. “Black Friday shopping is deadly,” freshman Evan Frulla said. “Even though I go I don’t know where the name came from. I thought it was a plague or something.” Traditionally stores like Wal-Mart are open all night long, but the lines

to start buying the items do not open until around 5 a.m. Other stores such as Kohl’s, Best Buy, and Macy’s don’t open until 4 a.m. Black Friday is where many people begin their Christmas shopping. They save money because of all the good deals that the different stores have. Although Black Friday can get crazy and frustrating, many people continue to go shopping to save money. “My mom and I always go at 2 a.m. and get in line at Best Buy. It’s really thrilling and I love it,” senior Codie Hammond said. “Even though I don’t know the history behind Black Friday, I still love to go. And if you’ve never been you’re really missing out.”

opens Friday, Nov. 25 at 12 a.m. but deals are available early

online only.

Emerson® 40” LCD TV

The mall. Shoes. Kenly Belman, 9

Best Buy

Target opens Friday, Nov. 25 at 12 a.m. and prices can be previewed online

$ 188 at Walmart

Anywhere. Clothes. Katie Duell, 10

Walmart. TVs. Mikala Campbell, 10 Photos, story by Natalie Bohmke, Abby Pennington

$ 195 at Walmart $ 248 at Walmart

8GB iPod touch®

HP® AMD Dual-Core Laptop

40” class 40.0” diagonal screen size 1080p resoluMusic, games, i Message, HD video recording & AMD E-350 accelerated processor, Webcam, Wiretion 60Hz refresh rate more less-enabled, 2-in-1 media card reader 15.6” screen 3GB memory 320GB hard drive

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Stafford High School

Entertainment

Issue 6, Nov. 22 , 2011

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“Footloose” remake edgy, sassy BY NICK HUDSON Staff Writer Footloose, a dramamusical made in 1984, directed by Herbert Ross, made its second coming to theaters Oct. 14. A smart-aleck city teen named Ren MacCormack (Kenny Wormald) moves to the rural town of Bomont where dancing has been banned. Ren falls for the defiant daughter (Julianne Hough) of a local preacher/city council member (Dennis Quaid). With the support of his sidekick Willard (Miles Teller), Ren and 1984 “Footloose” cover. Photo courtesy of GOMoxie.org

Lori coerce the town into having a prom, but just over the town line. Most jaw-droppingly, Craig Brewer nearly shot-for-shot re-creates the story line of Ross’s film 1981 film, but the dance to “Footloose” is modernized with newer dance moves by Lori and Ren. “Wormald and Hough aren’t quite ready for the Oscars yet” ABC News said, “but they’re pitch perfect for what they’re asked to do here.” With just a few changes in the musical changes, the movie was spot on. Most memorable scenes from the

2011 film were no different than the original, keeping its style, and originality. “Kenny and Julianne, unlike Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer, can DANCE like crazy,” Ho l l y w o o d l i f e . c o m said. “Their dance numbers are wild, sexy and fun”. Footloose kept it on the edge with MacCormack’s witty attitude and bad-boy style. The infamous yellow Volkswagen makes its return with a different approach, rather than just inheriting it. The 2011 film has definitely set a new bar for musical remakes. 2011 “Footloose” cover.Photo courtesy of GOMoxie.org

Cheeburger Cheeburger opens in Towne Centre BY ERIN MCGRAW Staff Writer

Customers are sure to take a step into the past when walking into the diner-like setting of Cheeburger Cheeburger. Cheeburger Cheeburger can be found on the outside of the Spotsylvania Town Center next to Books- A- Million. The restaurant’s interior is designed to look like a fifties diner. Walls are a vibrant shade of pink and have black and white tiles around the perimeter. Customers can choose to sit at the bar where food is prepared or at tables around the diner. Prices on the menu

range between five and eleven dollars. Cheeburger Cheeburger specializes in burgers. If ordering a burger, customers start by choosing the size of the patty they would like. Sizes range between five and 20 ounces. A choice of cheese and toppings can be chosen next. Cheeburger Cheeburger offers nine different types of cheese and 25 toppings. There are also four specialty toppings. Fries are not served with burgers, wraps, or lunch and dinner meals. Fries and onion rings can be ordered seperately as a small, medium, or large basket. “The Best of

Both” Basket can also be ordered containing both onion rings and fries. “One Hit Wonder” sauces can be bought with any meal for only a dollar more. These sauces are a creamy cheese sauce, zesty horseradish sauce, creamy jalapeno sauce, and garden vegetable sauce. They are also known as “Cheese Lover’s Delight”, “Not Too Hot”, “Has a Little Kick”, Say Chee! Cheeburger Cheeburger is in Spotsylvania Towne Centre next to Firebirds. The resand “Refreshing”. taurant offers more than just burgers. There are also 74 different kinds of milkshakes. Photo The Chicken Finger by Erin McGraw Basket is one of the many popular meals on the a choice of cheese and of Cheeburger Chee- eating at Cheeburger menu. It consists of five toppings, fries or onion burger’s 74 signature Cheeburger due to the large fried chicken fin- rings, a signature sauce, shakes. There are also restaurant’s small interigers in a basket. sauteed onions, and a over 1,285,000 shake or but should stay for the Chicken fingers can choice of side salad or combinations that can be good food in a blast from also be bought as a coleslaw. made as well. the past. “Cheeplatter”. This is a Customers should Customers should exmeal item served with end their meal with one pect a short wait before

“Mistletoe” hit or miss BY DOREEN BRINDISE Staff Writer

There’s nothing like Halloween to put you in the Christmas spirit, or at least that’s what Justin Bieber seems to think, releasing his hotly anticipated Christmas album Under the Mistletoe on Nov. 1. The album consists of original songs like “Mistletoe” and “Christmas Love” along with familiar Christmas classics, “The Little Drummer Boy” and “Silent Night”. Bieber fans are flocking to record stores and iTunes to hear Bieber’s new experiment, incorporating multiple genres and a much matured voice. The attention grabber of Under the Mistletoe, however, is his eclectic set of collaborations with artists The Band Perry, Busta Rhymes, Usher, Boys II Men, and Mariah Carey. But the question remains, is this album really worth all the hype or will Bieber fans find themselves sorely disappointed? For starters, the album shows a very different side of Bieber, who has clearly grown and matured as a singer since his first big hit “Baby.” But listening to Under the Mistletoe is like playing a game of Battleship, since all of the songs featured are either hit or miss. Some of the direct hits are the title song

Photo courtesy of GOMoxie.org

“Mistletoe,” a laid back Jason Mraz-esque Bieber original, a remix of the chart topping hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You” featuring a duet with Mariah Carey, and the catchy, festive single “Fa La La,” featuring Boys II Men. These songs show off both Bieber’s newly matured voice and signature catchiness very well and have already reached thousands of views on YouTube. Not all of the songs on Under the Mistletoe live up to hype though. Bieber has some misses with singles like the unfocused and headache-inducing, “Little Drummer Boy,” which has a less-than-brilliant guest appearance by Busta Rhymes, the entirely forgettable, “Christmas Love,” and the awkwardly country-sounding single, “Home For Christmas,” featuring The Band Perry. As a whole, the album is inconsistent as Bieber’s voice - deep and mature in “The Christmas Song,”

mysteriously changing to sounding like a young Michael Jackson in “Someday at Christmas,” and having familiar carols interrupted by original songs no one has ever heard before, ruining the flow. Which isn’t to say that Under the Mistletoe is a bad album, the biggest issue is just that the majority of the album lacks a Christmas-y feel. And although this album definitely has some flaws, it’s still catchy and has some great collaborations ensuring that true ‘Beliebers’ will download the album on iTunes faster than you can say Bieber Fever. In the spirit of giving, Justin Bieber is donating a portion of the sales of Under the Mistletoe to charities like the MakeA-Wish Foundation and Pencils of Promise. The album will be available in stores and iTunes Nov. 1, just in time for Black Friday mobbing.

“Clear as Day” debuts at top of charts, hearts BY MOLLY PODLESNY mographic. Although, the demoPage Editor graphic in question would Clear as Day, Scott probably be his fans even McCreery’s first album, without his rich voice, was released Oct. 4. due to his baby blue eyes McCreery was the and crooked smile. “American Idol” winner Another appeal he has for Season 10. to certain people is his McCreery’s deep bass religion. McCreery is a is reminiscent of country devout Christian, which great Josh Turner, whose shows in his music. music he often sings. Though this is not unHowever, he also has con- common to many country siderable range. singers, McCreery’s lyrics There is no deny- are all carefully clean, and ing that his voice sounds “That Old King James,” is more mature than his particularly religious. age - McCreery turned 18 He shows that he is a Oct. 9. momma’s boy in “Back on The topics of his songs, the Ground,” an ode to his though, are relevant to his mother. This is really the age. In the title track, Mc- only song that does not Creery reminisces on a match his age – McCrehigh school love that was ery speaks from an older cut short. man’s perspective here. “Out of Summertime,” The first single reis similar, with McCreery leased, “I Love You This crooning about a sweet Big,” came out in May. summer fling. It was received well, Many of the tracks debuting at 32 on the US have lyrics that are so Billboard 100 Hot Counclose they could be inter- try chart. It eventually changeable, though Mc- peaked at number 15. Creery is definitely trying On the US Billboard to appeal to a certain de- Hot 100 Songs it debuted

at and peaked at number 11. The song went gold Aug. 17. Clear as Day set records with its debut. It is the first debut country album to make its first appearance at number one on the all-genre Billboard chart. McCreery is also the youngest male to ever debut at number one on that chart. The album, though overall a good listen, can get repetitive. His slower songs, such as “Write My Number on Your Hand,” can even get a bit boring. Clear as Day is nothing unique or groundbreaking. McCreery’s themes are the usual country ones – God, girls and farmer tans. No one can blame him however, for wanting to play it safe on his fist album. Obviously, he was more than safe, considering it sold 197,000 copies in its first week.

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Stafford High School

Issue 6, Nov. 22, 2011

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Spicer says goodbye to basketball BY MEGAN CORSANO Page Editor

Coach Steven Spicer retired from his position as basketball coach, but left a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. For most of his players, Spicer made an impact that will stay with them forever. “He was always there for you,” senior Travis Epps said. “He was like a father figure to me and he has my upmost respect.” Spicer not only improved the players in basketball, but also enriched their lives. “He was worried about not only improving us in basketball, but also as a person,” senior Kameron Mangin said. The members of Spicer’s team felt the benefits of his coaching with the improvement of their skills. Spicer retiring is giving them reason to

Leaving a legacy: Coach Steven Spicer, whom basketball players hold in high esteem, decided to retire from varsity basketball coaching. Spicer isn’t leaving Stafford for good, though. He will remain a P.E. coach. Senior Jacoby Hawkins and junior Ryan Jones will miss Spicer but are looking forward to trying a new coach. Photo by Dani Raymond

prove the impact he has made and make him proud. “I’m sad that he’s retiring,” Epps said. “I wish he was coaching one more year. However, it makes you want to work harder. It’s motivating to be the best player he wanted you

to be.” Spicer’s years of coaching the team have given him his own sense of accomplishment. “I really liked working with the team and working in the weight room,” Spicer said. “You see individuals getting stronger

and gaining confidence, and bringing their new strength to the court. It brought satisfaction to me as their coach.” When he was coaching, Spicer gained respect from his team by his coaching techniques. “He was very intel-

ligent with his tactics,” Mangin said. “He always made sure we knew what the other team was going to do.” Spicer started coaching in 1963, and came to Stafford in 1989, where he has been coaching basket-

BY SARAH SHEARER Staff Writer

since she was two years old. “I was on the team with her for three years,” senior and former team member, Madison Ritchey said. “She is such a hard worker and dedicated to the team. I’m excited to see how far they will go this year.” She has previous experience in Paragon and competed in Royals for years. “When I did compete, I was on a level eight,”

Kredovsky said. “In total, there are 10 levels and from there you continue on to elite, which is when you can go to Olympics.” The girls won districts twice- her freshman and junior year. Last year they placed second in regionals and made it to states as a team. “I have grown up with her in club gymnastics,” junior and team member Jessie Riley said. “And when I came to high school, she influenced me

ball and P.E. for the past 22 years. Luckily, the end of his coaching is not the end of his teaching as a P.E. teacher. “I will miss being around the players,” Spicer said. “But Stafford has had the most supportive students I have ever seen in the area.” The change in coaching has created a possibility for a change in the team. “It’s sad that he’s retiring,” Mangin said. “But it’s also a good opportunity for the program to be put in new hands.” Spicer is will remain a P.E. coach for Stafford, and will carry his memories from the basketball team with him for the rest of his life. “I loved and still love Stafford High School,” Spicer said in a recent interview with the Free Lance Star. “I bleed blue and gold.”

Krejdovsky displays dedication for gymnastics Senior Sammy Krejdovsky is the only girl that will be on Stafford Gymnastics team for all four years in the 2012 class. “The reason why I chose to be apart of the team and stuck to it is because I love the whole team aspect,” Krejdovsky said. “Everyone works for the team, not themselves.” Krejdovsky has been doing gymnastics ever Sticking the landing: Sammy Krejdovsky works on her gymnast skills during practice. This will be her fourth year competing on Stafford’s team. Photo by Amber Griffth

JV coaches start season off strong

Boys’ team makes splash BY SHANNON FENWICK Staff Writer Girls’ varsity swimming needs to overcome the loss of the class of 2011 in order to improve this year. According to coach Bernadette Pellichero, the team did fairly well last year. They finished fourth at districts and seventh at regionals. Graduate Hannah Melkun was the only girl to make it to states last year, but graduate Zoe Wuckovich made it to regionals. “We lost a lot of depth last year from our seniors,” Pellichero said. “However, our freshman group this year seems to be promising.” Swimmers hope the

team will do well this year. “I hope the team will win districts this year,” junior Allison Lloyd said. “We’re really deep and there are lots of new people. Freshmen who try out for the high school team usually have swum previously. Swimming laps: Senior Jordan Marshall works hard to preThey also try out pare for the team’s upcoming meet. Photo by Emily Pearce as a way of making friends. “I just moved from Out of the 72 people for other reasons. Wisconsin, and I realwho have signed up to “Swimming is fun,” ly like swimming,” freshtry out, 45 swam last year. man Liz Kleveno said. Lloyd said. “I swim yearTryouts were on Nov. 7, “It’s a good way to meet round, and high school practice started on Nov. people who share my in- swimming is more team14, and the team’s first oriented. It’s also more terests.” meet is on Nov. 29. Upperclassmen swim intense.”

New coach, new year for varsity BY MATT YELVERTON The style of play is difStaff Writer ferent, but players who played under Spicer’s sys With the retiring tem are excited to try the of long time coach Steve new, flashier style of play. Spicer, the varsity boy’s “Coach Spicer was basketball team faces about controlling the challenges and obstacles, game, taking our time,” but players are confident said Jacolby Hawkins, sein the team’s ability to nior and returning starter. overcome them. “Under Tryon, we’ll push New coach Danny the ball.” Tryon brings a new style Senior leadership will to Indians basketball, also play a key part in with a fast paced offense the transfer between the and aggressive defense, coaches. The Indians reas opposed to the Spicer turn four seniors from style of set plays and halflast year’s district chamcourt defense. pionship squad, all with “I’m excited to see how leadership ability and a the new system will play clear vision for the team out,” said Kameron Manthis year. gin, senior and returning Along with the conplayer.

sistent goal of another consecutive district title, embracing the new coach and new style of play is important to the team. “Embracing our new coach is important,” said Mangin. ‘If the seniors are on board with new system, the younger players will be too.” The Indians have lost parts of the team that was so successful last year, but the additions of coach Tryon and senior AJ West, along with the younger players, will continue the tradition of winning, just in a new fashion. “We’ve lost some pieces,” said Da’shawn Harris, junior and returning

to try out for the team. I hope that we make it a good last year for her and win another district title for her.” Because she doesn’t compete out of school anymore and is on a high school team, she isn’t on a level anymore. “My advice to present and upcoming team members is to always give 110 percent and to never give up,” Krejdovsky said.

starter to the team. “But we’ve added some new pieces too. We’re going to score more points and work for that district title.” But Spicer isn’t out of the picture completely. He’ll stay on as a gym teacher this year and will be present at some games. “The Blue Wave is special to me,” said Spicer. “I believe we wouldn’t have won some of the games we did without them.” This season, the Blue Wave will have some new faces and a new look to support, but the expectation of victory will stay the same.

BY BRENDAN SHERMAN Staff Writer Andrew Holland will be coaching the JV boys’ basketball team this year in place of Ryan Middleton. Middleton has moved up to the varsity boys’ basketball coaching position while Holland has moved up to the JV coaching position. Holland had previously been coaching the freshmen boys’ basketball team before he moved up to JV.

Tryouts for the team were held on Nov. 7, 8, and 9 from 2:30-5:00 p.m. Cuts were made until 12 players remained, with Dylan Lane and Austin Kerns as the team captains. “Some I expected to make it from the start, and others surprised me,” coach Holland said after the final tryout. Holland expects the JV players to be competitive during this year’s season

High Hopes for Girls’ JV BY ELIZABETH PUCKERIN Staff Writer The girls JV basketball coaches have many expectations for the upcoming season. “Our coaching staff believes in the philosophy heart, attitude, and motivation,” said Carl Harris, girls’ basketball coach. “My expectation is that the girls work hard and get better every day.” Harris has been coaching for 10 years and basketball has always been a love of his. He played basketball before and when he stopped playing he knew that he wanted to continue to teach the game. Alyssa Guthrie, one

of the returning players, started when she was in middle school and has been playing for two years. “I like that basketball is a team sport, not individual,” sophomore Alyssa Guthrie said. “I like all my teammates and my coaches are very supportive.” Last school year the basketball team finished17-7. This year the coaches aren’t planning to change anything this season. “We are not going to have a lot of changes,” Harris said. “Last year everything was new to the young ladies with it being my first year at Stafford. We are going to build on last season.”

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Stafford High School

www.staffordsmokesignal.com

Issue 6, Nov. 22, 2011

Indoor track prepares with pre-season training BY JILLIAN WEISBECK Staff Writer The indoor track and field team is expected to have around 75 runners this season officially starting Nov. 7. New runners are looking forward to the upcoming season. “I’m nervous but I’m hoping I’ll do good,” sophomore Alicia Coffey said. Workouts to prepare the runners are done outside at the track and will work on building endurance and muscular strength. “I feel like the work-

outs have helped,” freshman Kendrik Icenhour said. “I have been able to run longer distances without stopping.” The event the runners chooses will depend on the type workouts they do. Distance runners run course loops around campus, while sprinters do a variety of sprints on the track to improve their times. As the weather gets colder, opportunities to run outside will no lon- Racing toward a good season: Ryan Hazelgren, Brad Jones, Ian Macleod, Greg Bohmke, and ger be available. Inside Brandon Lock run during a pre-season conditioning to prepare for their season. Photo by Eric practices will take place Stapleton “Only if it’s cold out,” feels good about the up- ers,” Brady said about About 10 runners coach Pete Augrom said. coming season. the runners staying after have been staying after Coach Kristen Brady “They’re hard work- school for conditioning. school to condition and

some already have season goals in their minds. Tony Kemp is working hard to achieve his goals. “I’m hoping to qualify for regionals and states,” said Kemp, junior and returning runner. Kemp runs the 55 and 300-meter dash, and the 4x2 relay. The season will draw to an end sometime in February and will depend on the runner. Runners who advance to the regional and state meets after the district meet will have a longer season than those who do not qualify after the district meet.

Wrestlers hit the mats BY DANI RAYMOND Page Editor AND COURTNEY MEARS Staff Writer

Hold that tiger: Seniors Marcus Brown and Ryan Bearon practice breaking holds in preparation for the new seasson. Brown did quite well last year, so even bigger expections are held for this year. Photo by Toni Sorrentino

Lesson in wrestling • Neutral- both opponents are facing each other with out either being in control • Post- placing a body part to a mat (usually a head or a foot). • Position- refers to position in relation to opponent. • Bottom/Down- when a wrestler is under their opponent, and he is in control of you. • Advantage/top- when a wrestler is on top and is in control of their opponent • head-to-head- forhead is in the same position as their opponent’s. • staggered stance- on leg is farther forward than the other foot. • two on one- gripping an opponent’s hand, wrist, arm with both hands. • drag- when a wrestler pulls an opponent’s arm towards them. • block- to keep certain parts of an opponent’s body from moving.

tunity to live vicariously through the boys. All of their successes and failures are our successes and failures.” Josh Beacorn, Ryan Varsity wrestling started their season on Bearon, Joe Sorrentino, Nov. 7 with their first Marcus Brown, Bill Hocpractice. Because there tor, Devon Bornschein, isn’t a limited roster, Matt Tolley, Logan Jackthe team usually has 34 son and Tim Giordano to 35 boys on the team, are all returning wresbut only a few wrestle on tlers from the varsity lineup. Wrestlers will be varsity. “We are looking for cut as the coaches sepaboys who are coachable, rate the strong from the disciplined, respectful, weak. “We won four out of dedicated, and tough,” the six tournaments we wrestling coach Branwere entered in, came don Gilbert said. “This is in second in the district not a sport for the weak to Forge for the second or pretty. We need boys year in a row, ” Brandon who come to work every Gilbert said. “We were day and want to be great ninth in the region and at what they’re doing.” had the highest state Brandon and Daniel Gilbert are going into place winner in SHS hisJackson their third year as wres- tory—Logan was third in state at the tling co-coaches. They 189 pound weight class”. were both on their high Wrestlers compete in school wrestling team, bi-weekly “wrestle-offs,” and always wanted to where they go up against run a wrestling program each team member in together. their weight group. The “There are several winner in each weight things I love about beclass wrestles on the ing a coach,” Brandon varsity team until they Gilbert said. “First and foremost is competing. lose to the same wrestler I’ll speak for Daniel and twice. “They’re both stressme both when I say that ful and fun because it we love to compete. It’s gives you a chance to see nice having the oppor-

how hard you’ve worked and how much you’ve accomplished,” senior Ryan Bearon said. The first tournament will be a dual tournament at Forest Park High School on Dec. 2 and 3. Daily practices are held which include technique sessions, drill sessions, situational wrestling, live situations, live matches and conditioning. “I think we’re going to do better than last year,” said senior Logan Jackson, who placed third at States last year. “The younger kids are good, and can only get better.” The returning upperclassmen are very encouraging to the incoming team members. “Don’t give up, newbies,” Bearon said. “Just keep working and try your hardest.” Bearon wishes to go to states, as do Devon Bornschien and Tim Giordano. Giordano has wanted to make it to states for four years now. “Be prepared to give it all you got, newbies,” Giordano said. “It takes a lot of responsibility and determination. What you put in is what you get out.”

Girls swimming dives into new season BY MEGAN HUMPHREY Staff Writer Girls varsity swimming needs to overcome the loss of the graduates this year in order to improve this year. According to coach Bernadette Pellichero, the team did fairly well last year. The team finished fourth at districts and seventh at regionals. Graduate Hannah Melkun was the only girl to make it to States last year, but graduate Zoe Wuckovich made it to regionals. “We lost a lot of depth last year from our seniors. Flying past the competition: Junior Destiny Dobbins practices the butterfly stroke in order to However, our freshman be ready for the aproaching season. Photo by Emily Pearce group this year seems to

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be promising,” Pellichero said. Swimmers hope the team will do well this year. “I hope the team will win districts this year. We’re really deep and there are lots of new people,” junior Allison Lloyd said. Freshman who try out for the high school team usually have swum previously. They also try out as a way of making friends. “I just moved from Wisconsin, and I really like swimming,” freshman Liz Kleveno said. “It’s a good way to meet people who share my interests.” Upperclassmen swim for other reasons.

Carl Baker Kaylene Ahlm Debbie Cooke Mildred Reeves Kristina Varela Jessica Turner Rachel Perrine Sue Sherman Ryan Smith Jason Stine Annette Seal Sonja & Blair Scott Jim Green Derek Hayes Judy Mears Maura & Sean McGraw Bruce Phillips Josephine Billingslea

“Swimming is fun,” Lloyd said. “I swim yearround, and high school swimming is more teamoriented. It’s also more intense.” Seventy-two people have signed up to try out, 45 of who swam last year. Try outs were on Nov. 7, practice starts on Nov. 14, and the team’s first meet is on Nov. 29. “Despite losing some major swimmers,” senior Tatanna Tonnacliff said. “this year we have gained more year round swimmers. There’s no doubt that we won’t come back strong this year. We’re ready to set new goals and build our team.”

Emily Byers Austin Pearson Karen Lenox Jackson Carmichael Earl’s True Value Hardware, Inc. Greta Sweatman Cheryl Potts Rebekah Kim Louisa Amenitson Monica Santiago Bronze Patron Chuck Pedigo Sheila Giscard Jeff McClure Blue Patron Amanda & Joseph

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Issue 6, Nov. 22, 2011

Stafford High School

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International Club gives to troops TAYLOR SUTHERLAND Staff Writer The International Club has their meetings the first Friday of every month to discuss new ideas and events. They also spend time covering a certain featured country for each month. “We were planning on covering Mexico this month but we decided not to feature and discuss that country until December,” president Michelle Amezquita said. Even though they are not featuring Mexico this month, they still have a bunch of ideas and events planned to do until December. It’s the giving season!: International Club member places canned goods in donation box to “We are working hard later send off to the troops. with the new ideas that By Ana Nosal

we have come up with and I am excited to get started on them,” advisor Myriam Lorenzo said. Stuffing shoeboxes for an organization called Operation Shoebox is one of their events that they talked about doing at their meeting this month. “Operation Shoebox is an organization where we donate shoeboxes that are filled with Christmas things to the troops out in Iraq,” Amezquita said. “It’s almost like a stocking that we fill and use for Christmas.” At the meeting they had also talked about helping out Conway Elementary School and their annual Christmas shop. “Conway Elementary does a Christmas shop every year that everyone is

welcome to come and buy Christmas decorations,” Amezquita said. Not only is the International Club helping other people, but they also have some ideas planned to do for themselves this month as well. “We are starting to make our t-shirts for the club this year,” vice president Alexis Tinsley said. “One of the members of the club is going to design the shirt to make them look unique and fun.” For more information please see Mrs. Lorenzo or attend their next meeting which is held on the first Friday of every month. Quote Box Informawww.opperationtion: shoebox.com

French Club places importance on culture TRAVIS BYRAM Staff Writer

Ironically Germanborn Jerald Hunsberger has been head of the French Club since his arrival to the school in 2003. The French Club had their first meeting Oct. 26, but late arrivals will still be accepted. Students might want to join in this year though, if they wish to pay a low annual fee. “We only charge $5, but we’re probably going to raise it next year,” Hunsberger said. We might double it. We might even quadruple it. I’m really

not sure.” For many, the French language can be difficult to understand which is why Hunsberger does not have the French club members actually speaking French because things get lost in translation. “It only slows the group down if we speak nothing but French the entire group meeting and we don’t have time for that,” Hunsberger said. French Club focuses on the culture rather than the actual speaking of the language. “Instead of the French language, we embrace the French atmosphere. We play games as well, all French of course,” Hunsberger said.

One of these French games is called Boules. In late September the club met up and decided who the officers were going to be. “I like the group effort of everyone acting together,” president Jean Wang said. French Club also allows more time to relate to the culture outside of the classroom setting. “It’s a really good way to work on French,” vice president Maria Snow said. “We play games and activities that we don’t get to do in French class.” Other activities this year are also being planned. “Anything members want to do that is within

the French Club budget the most fun.” In recent years, the is fine,” Hunsberger said. big money is in the candy “We’ve had cinema days grams. and cooking days and “Candy grams get us those two were probably

a lot of revenue,” Huntsberger said. The next French Club meeting will be announced shortly.

Bon Voyage!: French Club begins focusing on the culture of France rather than learning the language. By Leland Brooks

Key Club collects food for hungry for Thanksgiving CATHERINE ALFARO Staff Writer

Key Club is collecting food all throughout November to give to the homeless during Thanksgiving. Margaret Bridges, a world history teacher and Key Club’s advisor, is in charge of making sure everything goes as planned. “We want to make sure everybody has a great Thanksgiving,” Bridges Turkey time!: Key Club is collecting cans, pasta and turkeys for the food drive and for two Thanksgiving families. Members said. “Nobody deserves to signed up to bring in food for the baskets. By Kaitlin Shacklette spend a holiday hungry.”

Key Club will try to fill three boxes with food. They will be giving the boxes to a charity house, that will send it to a homeless shelter. Some of the foods they will be collecting are: macaroni and cheese, noodles, boxed potatoes, green beans, and canned corn. They are focusing on trying to collect boxed and canned goods. “Everybody is trying their best to get the food in,” senior president Elexxus Brown said.

Every member that is in the club will be helping in gathering food from their houses and the other people who wish to donate. Those who wish to donate have to give the food to Mrs. Bridges in Room S205. “The food we are collecting is for a good cause,” said Amy Quantrille, Key Club senior vice president. The Key Club has also done other donations in the past. “We donated food to

the poor over Christmas as well,” Bridges said. “If you look outside my door, you can see the certificate we got because of what we did.” If everything goes according as planned, the Key Club will continue to collect food for a certain holiday each year. “It feels good to help others,” said Chloe Karlovich, Key Club Treasurer. “I really like how Key Club is helping the homeless have a better holiday.”

NHS plans Ferry Farm pancake breakfast KATIE BRANDON Staff Writer NHS members will be on the other end of the holiday shopping experience this December. On December 3, members will be assisting with Ferry Farm Elementary School’s annual pancake breakfast and holiday store. Later in the month,

members will be wrapping gifts at the Target in Central Park. The pancake breakfast and holiday store will last from 8-11 a.m., but those working the breakfast have to be at Ferry Farm at 7:45 a.m. Members will be put to work all morning cooking pancakes, sausage and bacon or helping Ferry Farm PTA members with

the holiday store. “The pancake breakfast is a lot of fun for us,” NHS president Danny Strock said. “Although we dread waking up early on a Saturday, the elementary school kids are so excited and really put us in the holiday mood.” Already in the holiday mood, some members will travel to Target and wrap gifts for customers

from 10a.m. to 2p.m. Customers will receive this service free of charge , but donations are welcome. “I think it works for us year after year because it’s a service everyone needs and is willing to donate,” senior Amy Quantrille said. “I actually like wrapping gifts, it’s interesting seeing what people buy.”

Stack them up! Eat them up at Ferry Farms pancake breakfast.

Model UN prepares members for conference BILLY HOWELL Staff Writer Several Indians will be travelling to Hylton High School in Woodbridge this year to participate in Stafford’s first high school Model United Nations (MUN) Conference. This December, high school students from all over the Virginia will be meeting to debate real world issues as if they were members Let the debate begin!: Model UN prepares for their first of the real UN. conference. Students attending the By Austin Pearson conference will each be

assigned a country and will have to research that country’s viewpoints on a few specific issues. They will then debate against high school students representing other countries. “It’s a great opportunity for young people to have a voice,” club sponsor Helga Purnell said. Even though no one has competed yet, the MUNers are excited to be a part of Stafford’s first conference. “I’m expecting an opportunity to learn more about MUN and how it

works,” club officer Rachel Haynes said. Right now the representatives from Stafford are learning about basic conference procedures and what to expect at the conference. The students have not been assigned a country yet but are very excited to get started. “Once we do get the assignments, we are going to dive right into it and start researching our positions,” MUN co-founder Rebekah Kim said. In order to accurately represent their country

the students are required to know their country’s current situation and its concerns and goals. “I’m really looking forward to representing a nation and debating world issues with people from other schools,” club officer Justin White said. Model UN meets every Monday in the CGS room. They are currently accepting new members and the more people that join, the lower the cost will be for future conferences.

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Issue 6, Nov. 22, 2011

Stafford High School

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NJROTC explores real battleships in Norfolk “We went on the BY RYAN THOMPSON NORFOLK NAVAL STAStaff Writer TION and went over to The Stafford NJROTC the Base Galley, where unit went on a field trip the cadets were able to eat to Norfolk on Friday Sept. lunch,” said LCDR Felix 14.The unit went to the A. Martinez, Senior Naval Nauticus Naval Museum Science Instructor. “After and toured the battleship lunch, we traveled over to USS WISCONSIN then the Carrier Piers,” At the carrier piers, ate lunch at the galley on Naval station Norfolk fol- the cadets were able to lowed by a tour of the nu- view several ships as well clear aircraft carrier USS as tour the USS ENTERPRISE. ENTERPRISE. “My favorite part of The cadets arrived at the school at 6:30 a.m. the trip was standing on and left for Norfolk. The the flight deck of an airbusses went straight to craft carrier, looking at the water,” Cadet Carothe Nauticus Museum. “We went for a guided lyn Gale said. “It felt so tour of the USS Wiscon- awesome being on such a sin BB-64, one of the last large ship.” After boarding the battleships afloat,” Master Chief Michael Preston said. “We then went to an interactive teaching session in Nauticus. Exploding balloons of hydrogen, ping pong ball guns, tidal basins and a shark to pet.” After touring the Nauticus Museum, the cadets moved on to the base galley for lunch.

ship, the cadets split into two groups and went up 11 decks to the bridge, then down to the flight deck for a walk, then below to the Anchor Room and the Hangar Deck Control Station. “It’s easy to say you understand how to swim but until you try it, you have no idea exactly what it takes,” Preston said. “In the same vein, you can say you understand the Navy but until you see it first hand, your frame of reference is incomplete.” After the long day in Norfolk, the cadets boarded the busses and made a stop at a static display of some Cold War era aircraft.

Anchors away!:The NJROTC unit went to the Nauticus Naval Museum in Norfolk to tour and view the gallery. By Ryan Thompson

New Advisor hopes program will be active REID MURPHY Staff Writer Every new school year means a fresh start for all of the school clubs, and SADD is no different. SADD, which stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions, is starting out fresh this year with two new advisors, Madeline Booth and Rachel Sherman as well as a bunch of new faces looking to help prevent fellow students and others from doing harm to themselves by participatClub kick-off!: SADD is kicking off it’s year with new adviors, ing in dangerous activities Madeline Booth and Rachel Sherman. that could involve alcohol By Ana Nosal and drugs.

“I’ve really enjoyed the enthusiasm of the students who have decided to join the club,” Booth said. “The students really sound like they want to have an active program this year and have already brought up many ideas that we’d like to try this ye ar.” Booth and Sherman are taking over as advisors for Margaret Bridges who had been running the program for the past few years. Having just started, the members of SADD are still putting together ideas for events throughout the year. Members such as

senior SADD president Morgan Brooks are already excited for what they have in store. “I can’t wait to do Grim Reaper Day again,” Brooks said. “I think it really sends a message throughout the school.” SADD performed Grim Reaper Day last year around prom season which is where they have participating members go silent for a day and pull a certain amount of students out of class to show the number of deaths that occur from drunk driving in a certain period of time. Along with this event, SADD is planning

another major event that should catch the attention of students. “We’re planning on doing a mock car accident scene in the parking lot,” Booth said. “We’re going to try and give students a visual of what drunk driving can really do and how it can affect everyone.” SADD also plans on showing the school how alcohol and drugs can harm everyone with various other mini events such as wearing shirts that display the percentages of drunk driving deaths and putting up informational posters across the school.

Mix It Up Day creates new friendships within SCA MEGAN EBELING Staff Writer SCA is planning for another Mix It Up Day this year. It is held during all of the lunch shifts throughout the school day. Students sign up beforehand and get assigned to a random lunch table with a few other students. Students from all different grade levels will be seated together. “It’s just a way to get people from different grades to talk and unite the school,” vice president Amy Quantrille said. SCA’s goal for this activity is to get more students to interact with people they are not normally familiar with. Mix It Up Day has been carried out every year for over seven years now. “It’s a spirit building activity,” advisor Margaret Bridges said. Students who are will-

ing to sit with new people for a day will sign up. SCA is hoping for people to want to do it and encourage friends to do it as well. “Usually there is a good turn out with all four lunch shifts,” secretary Will Janney said. “My favorite part about Mix It Up Day is getting to eat lunch with new people and meet new friends.” SCA would like to have even more people than last year to do it, and have high hopes for the event. “We plan on handing out flyers and hanging up posters promoting the event to gain more participants,” Janney said. Mix It Up Day will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17 during all lunch shifts. In this event students are able to make new friends by breaking the habit of sitting with the same friends everyday. Those who participate receive a Key Club point.

Spicing things up in the cafeteria!: Mix It Up Day on Nov. 17 was fun for those who signed up. Instead of eating lunch with friends, students chose to meet someone new at lunch. Kids signed up and then were assigmed a table at lunch where kids from all grades were scattered around. It’s another way for kids to meet each other in a large school. Photos by Austin Pearson

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Stafford High School

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Issue 6, Nov. 22, 2011

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‘Awkward Pause’ Improv Take down the villain: Eric Rhodes, Ragon Dickard and Kendall Khan act in a skit where they are superheroes. Photo by Shannon Cooke

The dating game: Analisa Wall, Grace Mick and Erin Lottes participate in the first game of the night. Photo by Shannon Cooke

Strike a pose: The cast plays a game in which Happy Birthday!: The show was on junior Grace Mick’s birthday, Dont flinch: The cast sometimes had trouble they have to freeze. Photo by Shannon Cooke so the team suprised her with a pie in the face. Photo by Shannon keeping a straight face. Photo by Shannon Cooke Cooke

Taking center stage: Erin Lottes and Sarah Rochte try to keep a steady pose during one of the games. There were several skits in which every cast member participated. This year, the Improv team is much larger than it usually is. The team took advantage of their large cast. Photo by Shannon Cooke

Hosting the show: Several members had The Dickard sisters in the spotlight: Kenna, Lane and Ragon Going all out: Michael Mussatow and Kendall Kahn act the opprotunity to introduce and explain Dickard stole the show with the game in which all of them out a turkey getting slaughtered for aThanksgiving feast. the games. Photo by Shannon Cooke participated. Photo by Shannon Cooke Photo by Shannon Cooke